A first lady who followed her own path more than precedent
WASHINGTON — When Michelle Obama considered the daunting prospect of becoming first lady, she avoided turning to books by her predecessors for guidance. “And I think watching somebody makes you want to do that for yourself.” __ Mrs. Obama grappled with the childhood obesity issue before becoming first lady; a doctor had warned her about her daughters’ weight. It’s too early to know how Mrs. Obama’s efforts may affect childhood obesity rates long term, but advocates believe she helped change the national dialogue around healthy eating. Reflecting on her childhood obesity work, Mrs. Obama said some people initially wondered why she would bother with such a “softball issue” but “now, all those challenges and criticisms are off the table.” She told talk-show host Rachael Ray that “at least we’ve become very aware as a society that this is one of our most important health issues.” ___ Mrs. Obama’s push to put the country on a health kick extended to exercise — and she made herself exhibit A. Mrs. Obama didn’t really begin to open up about the historic nature of her service as the first black woman to become first lady until the end of the presidency was in sight.
Michelle Obama on being the first African-American FLOTUS and race perceptions
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